The last five or so minutes of the game were a roller coaster of emotion. But, despite some missed free throws down the stretch, the Gamecocks held on.

Maybe by the end of Chicken & Waffles it will sink, but right now it still doesn’t feel real. What does feel real, however, is all the money I’ve spent on Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and Final Four merch…

It’s a celebration!

It was a feeling of euphoria shared from Gamecocks all over the country on Sunday night, but some of my favorite reaction shots and celebrations took place right in the World’s Most Famous Arena.

One of USC’s most visible alums, Darius Rucker, was courtside for the big win. “Let him cryyyyyy…”

National love

Even beyond the USC bubble, the national media showed the Gamecocks some serious love and respect after their huge win.

“Their unexpected run to the Final Four makes them an easy fan favorite, and with their style of play and fiery coach, there are going to be a lot of casual college basketball fans jumping on board this bandwagon,” wrote CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson of the Gamecocks’ run.

Becoming the tournament’s de facto Cinderella, Carolina has impressed writers and hoops pundits everywhere with its no-glitz, all-grit defense and second-half adjustments.

Next up

Both South Carolina and Gonzaga will be playing in their first Final Fours in program history, whereas Oregon has not been back since it won the inaugural NCAA championship in 1939. This will be North Carolina’s 20th Final Four in program history, the most of any college program.